Eric Hosmer Open To Extension Talks With Royals

Royals first baseman Eric Hosmertells MLB.com’s Jeffrey Flanagan that he’s open to discussing a long-term contract with the club. As things stand, Hosmer is in line to reach free agency after the 2017 campaign, following one final season of arbitration eligibility.

While there’s been some speculation about Hosmer’s desire to play in a larger market, the first baseman himself tells Flanagan that such talk is merely “outside perspective” and isn’t indicative of his actual feelings.

“I don’t play this game to be in commercials for hair products,” said Hosmer. “I’m playing to try to win championships. Sure you want to give yourself the best opportunity in terms of financially, but at the same time, you want to give yourself the best chance to get to the playoffs. If this group stays together, the best opportunity is right here.”

From the team’s perspective, GM Dayton Moore tells Flanagan that he expects to sign as many of the club’s core members to long-term extensions as possible. Unsurprisingly, he remained vague beyond that level of commitment.

It certainly appears that both sides are willing to hear one another out, and Hosmer called staying with one club for his entire career the type of situation players dream about. Of course, he’s also represented by Scott Boras, whose clients typically explore the free agent market rather than signing extensions that buy out free-agent years (albeit with some notable exceptions).

What percentage of Boras clients sign contracts that buy out his player’s years of arbitration and free agency??? That’s why Dayton Moore seemed vague in his level of commitment. It takes TWO to make a deal!

This is actually somewhat relevant when it comes to Hosmer. Here in KC it’s pretty much always been assumed that Hosmer has stars in his eyes and wants out of KC not just for money but he wants to be in a big market where he can be a superstar. I think what he was trying to say here is THAT assumption is incorrect and he would like to stay here. Of course if the money is considerably better elsewhere than what the Royals can give I’m sure he’s gone, but he’s trying to clear up the perception that he wants to leave Kansas City because of the city itself.